Idowu Faces Taylor’s Hurdles At Pre-Games’ Meet

Phillips Idowu will take on triple jump world champion Christian Taylor at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday July 14 – less than a month before the Olympic Games – it has been confirmed.

American Taylor, 21, defeated the Briton – who was crowned world champion in 2009 – in last year’s World Championships in Daegu, and the pair are leading medal contenders for the London Olympics.

Idowu won silver in Beijing four years ago and has enjoyed the better start to the 2012 outdoor season. Last Saturday he won the Shanghai Samsung Diamond League meet with an impressive jump of 17.24m in wet conditions, while Taylor finished third with 16.96m.

“I’ve got a good winter of quality training under my belt and now I’m aiming for the gold medal,” said 33-year-old Idowu. “The Aviva London Grand Prix is only three weeks before we jump at the Olympics, so it’s perfect for me to keep sharp and get the support of the home crowd which will give me a taste of things to come in the Olympic stadium.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the best jumpers in the world on July 14. I’m never one to avoid my main competitors. We have all had some great battles in previous years but if I go out there and execute at Crystal Palace, I’m confident that it will give me a boost towards competing at the Games.

“Having won the London Grand Prix twice in the past I know how much of a boost it can be in the build up to a major champs. I would like to put on a great performance before I head out for my final preparations in the lead up to the Games.”